Hannah Has New Stuff!

Check out the Fall Update at Made With Love By Hannah!

Halloween Sweetness

My niece, Isabelle turns six on Halloween. Here she is modeling her ruffled skirt. Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

As Promised....

More Halloween Fun!

Out of the Archives....

In celebration of Halloween I am posting some designs from "the archives." Once upon a time when I sold my bags on eBay - these were VERY popular items. More tomorrow!

Kristina Wins!

Congratulations to Kristina Bubar for winning the Canadian Gospel Music Association's Covenant Award for "Inspirational Album of the Year." Click here to visit Kristina's website and to download several of her songs!

A Busy Week!

The kids were on Fall Break last week and my family came to visit! Friday was mom's birthday - Here she is with her newest grandchild - Peter Stanton Aldridge. He is named after my father.







Stanton has a big brother named Gray. This is Gray "looking tough." : )












The boys have one big sister named Isabelle. For grandma's birthday she did a very special presentation of Breath of Heaven.

Runner-Up Ruby!

Hooray! Out of of 500 entries to Manolo's contest, my little poem is a runner-up! Check out all of the entries.

A Pageant Notice Appears in the Walk-in Closet

The stiletto stared haughtily at the peep-toe,
A superior glint in her eye;
“The loveliest shoe in the closet is ME
There’s no need to even apply.”

The Birkenstock laughed in a natural way,
“Why you’re lovely alright, that’s for sure.
How often do you go out? Once in a while? Why,
I’VE been on a national tour.”

The sneaker remarked “Well I’m comfortable too,
And I’m practical, stylish and fun.
I help her stay fit and I go to the gym
I am the most valuable one.”

The pump said, “Well look at me, I go to WORK.
Responsible me, I’m the best!
Without me the rest of you wouldn’t be here,
And she wouldn’t be wonderfully dressed !”

The boot had been quiet right up until then,
But felt that she had to speak out.
“I keep her feet warm in the winter,” she said.
“I’m the one that she can’t do without!”

The flip-flop chimed in “In the summer it’s ME!
I go to the beach and the pool
I’m easy to slip on and off and I’m hip -
And so trendy and casual-cool.”

(The sandal considered the flip-flop cheap trash
Not worthy of even a thought
While SHE showed the pedicure off with great flair
Yes, she was the best of the lot….)

The peep-toe declared she had retro-chic charm
And got to go swing dancing too,
Why, no other shoe was as perfect as she
Not the Blahnik or even the Choo.

The shoes all continued to argue and brag.
Each had a unique point of view.
But no one else matters – Manolo is here!
So…Which is YOUR favorite shoe?

**

Submitted by Laura Kluvo

Super Fantastic Runner Up
Manolo’s Super Fantastic Essay Contest

WHAT?!?! They've Reintroduced Dream Pets?!?!?!

Why hasn't anyone told me about this? These are like the Beanie Babies of MY childhood. I have an original Hawaiian Hound and a Honolulu Harry. I always wanted the Ladybug. Hmmmmm...I think I still do....

Loves to Dance

We have new neighbors! Courtney is 11 years old, in the sixth grade and loves to dance. Can't you tell? This pink necktie skirt is a perfect fit. She thought it might be a little long, but I'm sure her mom will agree with me - it's just right.

I'm still cracking up over this....

....can't ...catch .....my...breath.....

Autumn Update at Cut + Paste!

Check out the great new stuff at Cut + Paste. Feels like Fall....

Vintage Velvet Patchwork Backpack!

Try saying THAT five times in a row! Yes, I am sewing. Here's something new. I have a little bit of the vintage velvet quilt top left. Probably only enough for one more project. I think I'll do another backpack. This one was a special order and I really like the way it turned out. I added the crocheted pansies because the quilt was really damaged and I had to cover up some tears. Now of course, the pansies are my favorite part!

Kristina is Nominated for a Covenant Award!

I'm so proud to call this talented vocalist my friend! Good luck Kristina!

Moving On....

What was I THINKING? Hello? I watched LOST on Wednesday and it is by far the stupidest program ever. Second only to "The Cut." I don't know why it seemed so good when I was watching the first season on DVD. The Wednesday night episode was completely ridiculous...and VIOLENT. So, please forgive me and we'll get back to the subject at hand.... which is my other obsession....

Japanese Crafts, Fashion and Pop Culture. WHAT? Yes, I admit it. I have quite a collection of Japanese Quilting, Crafting, Sewing and Fashion magazines and books. Here is a sampling:

What Did We Do Last Night?

Glad you asked!

Ken and I have several friends who sing in the Orpheus Male Chorus. Their Fall Concert series opened last night with a tribute to "Stage & Screen." We always enjoy this group. There's something tremendously endearing about a group of men all wearing tuxedos singing together. And these guys are GOOD! Honestly... I think I enjoy this a little more than Ken.... I couldn't resist a little humming along on the Gilbert and Sullivan stuff.... I can be SO ANNOYING! That makes it even more special that he took me to see this on my birthday. What a dream husband I have.

Today Is My Birthday!

...and I would love it if you would post a happy message on my blog. Thanks!

UPDATE - I'm home for lunch checking my e-mail and I have EIGHT birthday messages! YAY!

Do You Like Bright Colorful Pop Art?

Here are some of my favorites. First is Pamela Brooke. Here is a link to her eBay store. Next is Jelene Morris. Jelene also has a blog. It seems to be down right now, so I'll have to link it later. Third is Layla Palmer,who I just discovered on the Jelene site. Layla has an eBay store too.

What Is This?

I spotted this towel in an antique mall. The hand is appliqued onto the towel. It is large enough to slip your hand inside like a glove. What the heck? Then I read the tag.......












It's a HAND TOWEL..... : )

Purple Velvet Gypsy Skirt

Here is a skirt from my Fall 2005 line.

Look At What Carly Gave Me!

Aren't I lucky? I get lots of great thank notes and gifts from my students but this is really special. It's a collage from Carly. If you look closely you'll see sewing references as well as London references. I'm sure my legions of blogfans will remember Carly who came over and made a necktie skirt, a gypsy skirt AND a tote bag. All of her projects turned out great. She is now back in London teaching art to young hoodlums. THANKS AGAIN CARLY.

Happy Anniversary to Ruby!

I just realized that I have been blogging for a year! Thank you to everyone who reads this and especially to those who comment - you are the best!

I have been sewing like crazy - I'll have new designs to post later today or tomorrow. I've been working on purple velvet gypsy skirts with paisley waistbands and flowing ribbon trims. Doesn't that sound lovely?

BUT... I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have been completely obsessed lately with my DVD collection of the first season of "Lost." I have never seen this show - it airs on Wednesday nights when I'm at choir - but I have of course heard plenty about it and have friends who love it. SOoooo when I heard it was coming out on DVD and I got a discount coupon to Barnes and Noble on top of the "membership" discount - well I knew I had to buy it. Once I started I couldn't stop. Now I have finally watched the whole thing. It's really good isn't it? I can see why it has won so many awards. I'm hooked. What did I miss on the first episode of the new season? I recorded the second episode so I saw the recap - but I want DETAILS! Also - the actor who plays John Locke in my opinion is superb.

Well this is supposed to be a blog about fashion design - I'm off to take some photos!